Wheel cylinder install -1981 rabbit pickup??

[doonboggle]

Other than first having to remove all the rear wheel brake components as detailed in Bentley, is there an easier way to remove and replace the wheel cylinder?

I did one side over the weekend by following Bentley, but it was extremely difficult for a newbie like me.  The problems I had trouble with was getting the big bottom tension spring off and back on ... along with the 'rusted' shoe attaching springs that you need to depress and turn 90degrees.  I had a heck of a time getting the slotted 'key' to rotate.

And the big spring, as strong as it is, also had a heck of a time.

Hopefully someone has a good suggestion, idea, How-to, etc. to guide this old 'phart' ... who just doesn't have the strength in the arms anymore like the young 'whipper-snapper' he used to be.

[ORCoaster]

On the 81 Rabbit I recently obtained the rear cylinders were frozen up, the pistons inside were not moving.  I found that I could remove the brake line off the back of the cylinder, remove the bleed screw and then have the best access to the hex head nuts with a 5 MM socket setup.  Once the two screws were fairly loose I pried the shoe away from one side of the cylinder and pushed the nuts toward me from the back.  That gave me enough room to slip the shoe behind the cylinder on the one side.  I did it to the other side and then proceeded to remove the last of the bolts in back and dropped the cylinder in my hand. 

I purchased two new cylinders prior to the removal so I just reversed the steps and in short order had them both swapped out.  I left everything else attached.  Sure when I was pulling one side of the shoes away that wedge shaped adjuster slipped down to its widest part and I had to pull that up to get the brakes back to their minimum diameter to get the drums back on but that is about the only moving part I think I had to reposition.  I did clean the whole works with Brake Clean and inspected for other wear marks with a light but found no visible need to change anything. 

Because the brakes were not helping the car slow down any from what I could tell, the front pads were shot completely and I was a short hair away from grinding into the rotors.  I had them turned at the local tire shop for 40 bucks for the pair and replaced/ rebuilt the front brakes similar to what you are doing.  Now, if I could only get it to go and test the repair!  Stinking IP pumps

[Baron VonZeppelin]

I did a pretty much step-by-step on rear drum brakes for a youngster on here a few months back. Will try to find it tonight or tomorrow afternoon and link to it. Its a lot to type to do it all over again. "think" it was in this section.

The biggy spring will be easy when you read it.
You have my pictures - so you can follow it by using them.
As they were what was referenced in the guideline.

The "keys" - i hold them stationary with one finger (hand) on backside of backing plate. Then push the slotted spring cap on and rotate it (the cap) - with key being stationary. There is a special tool for installing the spring caps - about $8-10 Sears - but pliers or vise grips will work too.

I don't have a Bentley manual, but could be the Bentley of Brakes.    lol

[Baron VonZeppelin]

My fault, if you aren't replacing the shoes - just replacing the wheel cylinders - ORCoaster has you covered.

I missed that point.
But will still find that thread anyway.

[fatmobile]

How did the springs look?
 Did you get a new spring set?

 I put the springs and slotted caps on differently, using the tool.
 I press the cap down and turn the pin,.. easier to do if they are new.


The big spring across the bottom;
 I put it on the shoe and there's a good spot to shove a screwdriver and pry the shoe over bottom bracket

[doonboggle]

How did the springs look?   Did you get a new spring set?
Rusted; but having to put them back on due to having an appointment at a VW shop nest week that I don't want to miss.  Been in business for almost 40 odd years, and has one heck of a clientele listing.
After getting it back from him, thinking of ordering the spring kit and put in.

 I put the springs and slotted caps on differently, using the tool.  I press the cap down and turn the pin,.. easier to do if they are new.
That's what I figured.  I wound up using a socket screw driver type tool to press in on the small 'plate' at the end, and then with a pair of small pliers, turning the plate to the groove.


The big spring across the bottom;  I put it on the shoe and there's a good spot to shove a screwdriver and pry the shoe over bottom bracket.
Didn't see how to do that, so clamped vice grip on the neck of the curved end, and while pulling ... and wife's 3rd hand pushing, was able to get it into the hole.  A real PITA ... to say the least.